Frequently Asked Questions

WILL MY DENTURES LOOK NATURAL?

NATURAL-LOOKING DENTURES. YES ! We SPECIALIZE in NATURAL- LOOKING DENTURES. Like finger-prints, no two dentures are alike. At BILLINGS WEST GENERAL DENTISTRY you are involved in choosing the smile that you want. You and your doctor will select the size, shape and color that appeals to you. Each tooth is carefully placed and ideally positioned at your DENTURE DESIGN APPOINTMENT before your denture is finalized by our lab.

CAN I IMPROVE THE DENTURES I ALREADY HAVE?

IMPROVE MY DENTURESThe answer could be YES!

After a NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION your doctor will let you know if we can IMPROVE YOUR CURRENT DENTURES with a SAME-DAY RELINE or make YOUR DENTURE "SNAP-DOWN" on DENTAL IMPLANTS.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET DENTURES?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MY CUSTOM DENTURES?IMMEDIATE DENTURES are put in place the SAME DAY your natural teeth are removed. These are PRE-MADE DENTURES created from IMPRESSIONS that are taken before your surgery date.

REPLACEMENT DENTURES are made from IMPRESSIONS AND CUSTOM TEETH DESIGNING done during THREE EASY APPOINTMENTS.

After the final DESIGN APPOINTMENT, your NEW REPLACEMENT DENTURE is FINISHED IN ONE WEEK !

ARE DENTURES AFFORDABLE?

Yes, at Billings West General Dentistry we are COST CONSCIOUS and you will receive COMPLETE CARE from START TO FINISH with your NEW CUSTOM DENTURES.

After CAREFUL DESIGN and CUSTOM PLACEMENT OF EACH TOOTH, DR. HYAMS will deliver your INDIVIDUALIZED DENTURES and follow your progress with ALL-INCLUSIVE ADJUSTMENTS to give you MAXIMUM COMFORT and SATISFACTION.

PROPHYLAXIS - TEETH CLEANING

Prophylaxis - Teeth CleaningProphylaxis is also known as a "cleaning" or prophy. A prophylaxis removes plaque, calculus and stains on the tooth surface. A routine prophy is preformed on patients that have relative healthy tissues or early gingivitis. A Teeth Cleaning is often recommended every 6 months.

CAN I BE SEDATED?

Yes, we offer our patients Nitrous Oxide sedation to help with anxiety. You will be awake but relaxed and comfortable during your visit. This is a mild, conscious sedation and patients are able to drive after their appointment.

For patients requiring more sedation, an oral sedative can be prescribed and taken prior to your appointment. Nitrous Oxide can also be administered during your appointment. With oral sedation medications you cannot drive a vehicle and will be required to have someone provide your transportation.

WHAT IF I HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

If you are currently a patient and have a Dental Emergency after hours or during the weekend or a holiday, please call our regular office phone number (406) 245-9556 and you will be able to speak to our After Hours Answering Service personnel. They will contact your doctor in our practice and make sure your emergency dental problem receives the proper medical attention.

CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER MY DENTAL VISIT?

Yes, after most routine procedures (Teeth Cleaning, Fillings, Crowns, Bridges) our patients are able to return to work. Over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol can be taken to relieve any mild discomfort.

Ask your doctor before your appointment if you have concerns about returning to work. Most patients are advised to rest after any Oral Surgery and some like to take the day to rest after a Root Canal.

WHAT IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

If you need a Root Canal, your treatment can be done right here at Billings West General Dentistry. We use the latest technology in Root Canal Treatment and most Root Canals can be completed in 1-2 visits.

HOW LONG DO IMPLANTS LAST?

ARE IMPLANTS LONG-LASTING?YES, dental implants have a VERY HIGH SUCCESS RATE in healthy non-smokers and are one of the MOST PREDICTABLE LONG-TERM treatments for TOOTH REPLACEMENT and DENTURE STABILIZATION. Although implants are not vulnerable to decay, good oral hygiene is important to keep the surrounding tissues healthy. An IMPLANT can last a LIFETIME when properly placed and cared for.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS?

If you have broken or missing teeth, painful, loose or unwearable dentures...you may be a candidate for implants. We recommend an exam with our doctor to help determine any specific health concerns and discuss the best options for your individual needs.

ARE IMPLANTS AFFORDABLE?

WHAT IS THE COST OF IMPLANTS?AFFORDABLE COST is one of the things we focus on at Billings West General Dentistry. We offer savings options depending on your payment method and we also have no-interest finance programs. Our team wants to help find the best solution for you!

HOW FAST CAN I GET IMPLANTS?

Your INDIVIDUAL NEEDS will determine how fast you will complete your implant treatment. All implants have a recommended healing time of 90 DAYS before they can support a REPLACEMENT TOOTH or SNAP-DOWN DENTURE. If a tooth is being removed, a BONE GRAFT may be placed to fill in the space the tooth root used to occupy. The bone graft will heal for 90 DAYS before the implant will be placed.

ARE IMPLANTS PAIN FREE?

Good news! Most of our patients tell us they have mild, or no, discomfort immediately following implant surgery. You will receive detailed instructions and any necessary medications to keep you comfortable. You will be monitored closely with several CONTINUING CARE VISITS following your surgery. Within 1-2 weeks most patients are completely pain-free.